Better security to woo investors

BIHAR AT A GLANCE

Patna: Public investments are needed to boost private investments, according to Sudipto Mundle, a member of the 14th Finance Commission. Speaking on the concluding day of three-day annual conference of the Indian Econometric Society themed “Current Status of Bihar and Planning”, he said: “In Bihar, the law and order situation has improved and it is a good reason for investments from private sectors.”

Institute for Human Development chairman Alakh Narayan Sharma said there have been no major changes in the agriculture sector for many years. He said: “There is a huge gap between the national and the state growth rate. If the state government wants to bridge the gap, there should be at least 15 per cent increase in the state rate for 15 years.”

Asian Development Research Institute director P.P. Ghosh said: “If the state wants to develop, there should be political will among the leaders of state for sustainable development.”

Patna: Around 48.7 per cent of the population consume tobacco. 50 per cent males and 20 per cent females consume tobacco, according to experts at the State Tobacco Control Co-ordination Committee meeting, organised by the tobacco control cell and NGO SEEDS on Friday.

Fine on I-T dept

Patna: A high court division bench on Friday imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the income tax department for not returning documents seized by it from the house of Dr Ramesh Chandra. The court, while hearing a petition filed by Chandra directed the department to return the documents to Chandra by January 31.

Health camps

Patna: A two-day knee and hip replacement surgery camp will be organised at Mahavir Vaatsalya Hospital on January 12 and 13.

Warm touch

Patna: The state branch of Indian Red Cross Society members on Friday distributed blankets among poor. The members had divided themselves into four groups.